Modular firing range

ABSTRACT

A modular firing range includes a first subset of modular containers that form a first end of the firing range. The first subset includes outer walls that define the first end of the firing range and side walls that define a portion of a side of the firing range. A second subset of modular containers form a second end of the firing range. The second subset includes outer walls that define the second end of the firing range and side walls that define a portion of the side of the firing range. A third subset of modular containers is coupleable between the first subset and the second subset to form a medial portion of the firing range. The third subset includes outer walls that define a portion of the side of the firing range. The firing range includes an armored outer perimeter that provides complete ballistic containment in all directions.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/171,948, filed Oct. 26, 2018, entitled “MODULAR FIRING RANGE,” whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/577,638,entitled “MODULAR FIRING RANGE,” filed on Oct. 26, 2017, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/682,686, entitled “MODULAR FIRING RANGE,”filed on Jun. 8, 2018, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditional prefabricated firing ranges use containers as buildingblocks to creates a large firing range. Typically, these prefabricatedshooting ranges are made from shipping containers that were manufacturedto relatively low tolerances. However, individualization andcustomization often requires modifying each individual containeraccordingly, which results in increased construction time and costs.Additionally, joining two containers during the construction of aprefabricated firing range, therefore, could result in gaps at the jointhat could potentially lead to a gap in ballistic containment. Toovercome this, previous prefabricated firing ranges would provide anoverlapping baffle with the next container. This baffle, however, couldcreate a pinch point reducing linewidth, create space for turbulentairflow, and/or fail to completely remove the gap in ballisticcontainment for misfired rounds.

Traditional prefabricated firing ranges were separated into separatelanes, where each container includes, for example, two adjacent firinglanes. Container walls were also retained to provide separation betweenfiring lanes form separate containers. Thus, traditional prefabricatedfiring ranges had separation walls between each lane. However, theseparation walls can be limiting, as they may limit visibility of thetargets. Separation walls may also limit the capabilities of aninstructor to supervise more than a handful of trainees, which cannecessitate a small instructor-to-trainee ratio. Moreover, theseseparation walls can restrict firing exercises and training movements,and can increase cots due to the fact that they are typically fabricatedfrom armored steel.

Traditional prefabricated firing ranges are also limited in capabilitiesdue to roof-mounted HVAC plants. Roof-mounted HVAC plants are installedand commissioned on-site, increasing time and cost while decreasingquality. Because HVAC plants were located on the roof of theprefabricated firing ranges, waterproofing and other concerns are anissue, and any maintenance requires working at height, which increasesthe risk of injury during maintenance. Moreover, roof-mounted HVACplants have to be decommissioned and removed to relocate theprefabricated firing range.

Traditional prefabricated firing ranges are further limited in theirability to allow trainees to engage tactically in any direction thantoward a down-lane target at a far end of the firing range. Traditionalprefabricated firing ranges often use baffles to protect lighting. Thismay be problematic, however, as such baffles create 1) a pinch point(reducing floor-to-ceiling height), 2) a gap in ballistic containmentfor misfired rounds, and 3) turbulent airflow.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to modular firingranges that provide simple and customizable assembly, while ensuringthat ballistic containment is maintained in all directions. Embodimentsof the invention also provide weatherproof and simple to maintain HVACconnections for modular firing ranges. Embodiments also providesolutions to create modular firing ranges with open floor plans usingstandard ISO shipping containers.

According to one embodiment, a modular firing range is provided. Themodular firing range may include a first subset of modular containersthat is configured to form a first end of the modular firing range. Thefirst subset may include outer walls that define the first end of themodular firing range and side walls that define a first portion of aside of the modular firing range. The modular firing range may include asecond subset of modular containers that is configured to form a secondend of the modular firing range. The second subset may include outerwalls that define the second end of the modular firing range and sidewalls that define a second portion of the side of the modular firingrange. The modular firing range may further include a third subset ofmodular containers that is coupleable between the first subset and thesecond subset to form a medial portion of the modular firing range. Thethird subset may include outer walls that define a third portion of theside of the modular firing range. The modular firing range may includean armored outer perimeter that provides complete ballistic containmentin all directions.

In another embodiment, a modular firing range may include a first subsetof modular containers that is configured to form a first end of themodular firing range. The first subset may include a first containerhaving a front end wall and a left lateral sidewall and a secondcontainer having a front end wall and a right lateral sidewall. Themodular firing range may also include a second subset of modularcontainers that is configured to form a second end of the modular firingrange. the second subset may include a third container having a rear endwall and a left lateral sidewall and a fourth container having a rearend wall and a right lateral sidewall. The modular firing range mayfurther include a third subset of modular containers that is coupleablebetween the first subset and the second subset to form a medial portionof the modular firing range. The third subset may include a fifthcontainer having a left lateral sidewall and a sixth container having aright lateral sidewall. The modular firing range may include an armoredouter perimeter that provides complete ballistic containment in alldirections.

In one embodiment, a method of assembling a modular firing range isprovided. The method may include selecting a plurality of modularcontainers from each of a first subset of modular containers, a secondsubset of modular containers, and a third subset of modular containers.The first subset may include outer walls that define the first end ofthe modular firing range and side walls that define a first portion of aside of the modular firing range. The second subset may include outerwalls that define the second end of the modular firing range and sidewalls that define a second portion of the side of the modular firingrange. The third subset may include modular containers that coupleablebetween the first subset and the second subset to form a medial portionof the modular firing range. The third subset may also include outerwalls that define a third portion of the side of the modular firingrange. The method may also include arranging the selected plurality ofmodular containers to form a desired layout for the modular firing rangeand coupling the selected plurality of modular containers together toform an armored outer perimeter that provides complete ballisticcontainment in all directions.

In another embodiment, a modular firing range may include a firstmodular container that is configured to form a first end of the modularfiring range. The first modular container may include two end walls anda first lateral sidewall. The modular firing range may also include asecond modular container that is configured to form a second end of themodular firing range. The second modular container may include two endwalls and a second lateral sidewall. The modular firing range may alsoinclude a plurality of additional modular containers that are coupleablebetween the first modular container and the second modular container toform a medial portion of the modular firing range. Each of the pluralityof additional modular containers may include two end walls and nolateral sidewalls. The modular firing range may further include anarmored outer perimeter that provides complete ballistic containment inall directions.

In another embodiment, a modular firing range may include a firstmodular container that is configured to form a first end of the modularfiring range and a second modular container that is configured to form asecond end of the modular firing range. Each of the first modularcontainer and the second modular container may include two end walls anda lateral sidewall. The first modular container may be oriented in afirst direction and the second modular container may be oriented in asecond direction opposite the first direction such that open sidesbetween the two end walls of each of the first modular container and thesecond modular container face one another. The modular firing range mayalso include a plurality of additional modular containers that arecoupleable between the first modular container and the second modularcontainer to form a medial portion of the modular firing range. Each ofthe plurality of additional modular containers may include two end wallsand no lateral sidewalls. The modular firing range may further includean armored outer perimeter that provides complete ballistic containmentin all directions.

In another embodiment, a method of assembling a modular firing range mayinclude selecting a first modular container, a second modular container,and a plurality of additional modular containers. The first modularcontainer may be configured to form a first end of the modular firingrange and may include two end walls and a first lateral sidewall. Thesecond modular container may be configured to form a second end of themodular firing range and may include two end walls and a second lateralsidewall. The plurality of additional modular containers may becoupleable between the first modular container and the second modularcontainer to form a medial portion of the modular firing range. Each ofthe plurality of additional modular containers may include two end wallsand no lateral sidewalls. The method may also include arranging theselected plurality of modular containers to form a desired layout forthe modular firing range and coupling the selected plurality of modularcontainers together to form an armored outer perimeter that providescomplete ballistic containment in all directions.

In another embodiment, a modular firing range may include a plurality ofmodular containers that define an open interior space that provides anarea for a user to move about. Each of the plurality of modularcontainers may include an armored layer. Each of the plurality ofmodular containers may be coupled with at least one other of theplurality of modular containers along an edge of each respective one ofthe plurality of modular containers such that joints are formed betweencoupled edges of the plurality of modular containers. The edge of eachrespective one of the plurality of modular containers may include aplurality of cleats. The plurality of cleats between the coupled edgesof two of the plurality of containers may be secured to one another toconnect the two of the plurality of modular containers together. Themodular firing range may further include an armored plate extendingbetween and covering each joint such that a continuous armored boundarysurrounds the interior space of the modular firing range.

In another embodiment, a connection system for a modular firing range isprovided. The connection system may include a first modular containerdefining a first open interior that provides a user an area in which tomove about. The first modular container may include a first edge thatincludes a first plurality of cleats spaced along a length of the firstedge. The connection system may also include a second modular containerdefining a second open interior. The second modular container mayinclude a second edge that includes a second plurality of cleats spacedalong a length of the second edge. The first modular container and thesecond modular container may be positionable such that the each of thefirst plurality of cleats is in alignment and adjacent with a respectiveone of the second plurality of cleats such that each of the firstplurality of cleats is coupleable with the respective one of the secondplurality of cleats to secure the first modular container with thesecond modular container, thereby forming at least a portion of themodular firing range.

In another embodiment, a method of assembling a modular firing range mayinclude positioning a first modular container adjacent to a secondmodular container such that open interiors defined by each of the firstmodular container and the second modular container may be joined to format least a portion of the modular firing range and such that adjacentedges of the first modular container and the second modular containerare in alignment with one another. The method may also include couplingeach of a first plurality of cleats of the first modular container witha respective one of a second plurality of cleats of the second modularcontainer to secure the first modular container and the second modularcontainer together.

In another embodiment, a modular firing range having an open floor planis provided. The modular firing range may include a modular containerthat has a bottom panel, a top panel, and a side panel that extendsbetween a first edge of the top panel and a first edge of the bottompanel. A second edge of the top panel and a second edge of the bottompanel may at least partially define an opening to an interior space thatprovides a user an area in which to move about. The first modularcontainer may include a support structure that includes a first columnextending between a first corner of the second edge of the top panel anda first corner of the second edge of the bottom panel, a second columnextending between a second corner of the second edge of the top paneland a second corner of the second edge of the bottom panel, and asupport beam extending across the second edge of the top panel and thatis coupled with the first column and the second column.

In another embodiment, a modular firing range having an open floor planmay include a modular container having a bottom panel, a top panel, andat least one support structure that supports the top panel at a distanceabove the bottom panel along at least one edge of the modular container.The modular container may define an opening to an interior space thatprovides a user an area in which to move about. Each of the at least onesupport structure may include a first column extending between a firstcorner of a first edge of the top panel and a first corner of the firstedge of the bottom panel, a second column extending between a secondcorner of the first edge of the top panel and a second corner of thefirst edge of the bottom panel, and a support beam extending across thefirst edge of the top panel and that is coupled with the first columnand the second column.

In another embodiment, a method of creating modular firing range havingan open floor plan is provided. The method may include removing at leastone sidewall of a first modular container and replacing the at least onesidewall of the first modular container with a first support structure.The first support structure may include a first support beam coupled toa top edge of the first modular container and two or more columnssupporting the first support beam. The method may also include removingat least one sidewall of a second modular container and replacing the atleast one sidewall of the second modular container with a second supportstructure. The second support structure may include a second supportbeam coupled to a top edge of the second modular container and two ormore columns supporting the second support beam. The method may furtherinclude coupling the first modular container with the second modularcontainer such that the two or more columns supporting the first supportbeam are substantially aligned with the two or more columns supportingthe second support beam.

In another embodiment, an HVAC system for a modular firing range isprovided. The HVAC system may include a first modular container havingan HVAC supply unit. The first modular container may be coupleable to afirst wall of a modular firing range. The first modular container maydefine at least one air intake opening that is in fluid communicationwith the HVAC supply unit. The modular firing range may include at leastone firing range modular container defining one or more firing lanes.The HVAC system may also include a second modular container having anHVAC extraction unit. The second modular container may be coupleable toa second wall of the modular firing range. The second modular containermay define at least one air vent opening that is in fluid communicationwith the HVAC extraction unit.

In another embodiment, an HVAC system for a modular firing range mayinclude a first modular container having an HVAC supply unit. The firstmodular container may define at least one air intake opening that is influid communication with the HVAC supply unit. The HVAC system may alsoinclude a second modular container having an HVAC extraction unit. Thesecond modular container may define at least one air vent opening thatis in fluid communication with the HVAC extraction unit. The HVAC systemmay further include a modular firing range coupleable between the firstmodular container and the second modular container. The modular firingrange may include at least one firing range modular container definingone or more firing lanes.

In another embodiment, a method of connecting an HVAC system with amodular firing range is provided. The method may include coupling afirst modular container comprising an HVAC supply unit with a first endof a modular firing range. The modular firing range may include at leastone firing range modular container defining one or more firing lanes.The first modular container may define at least one air intake openingthat is in fluid communication with the HVAC supply unit. The method mayalso include coupling a second modular container comprising an HVACextraction unit with a second end of the modular firing range. Thesecond modular container may define at least one air vent opening thatis in fluid communication with the HVAC extraction unit.

In another embodiment, a modular firing range having a sidewallenhancement is provided. The modular firing range may include a mainfiring range body formed from a plurality of modular containers that maydefine a portion of an interior of the modular firing range. Theinterior of the modular firing range may define a plurality of firinglanes for live fire training exercises. The modular firing range mayalso include at least one sidewall pod formed from at least oneadditional modular container that is coupled with at least one of theplurality of modular containers adjacent the plurality of firing lanesand protruding outward in a lateral direction from the plurality offiring lanes. The at least sidewall pod may include one open side andwalls on remaining sides such that the one open side is joined with theinterior of the modular firing range.

In another embodiment, a modular firing range having a sidewallenhancement may include a main firing range body formed from a pluralityof modular containers that may define a portion of an interior of themodular firing range. The interior of the modular firing range maydefine a plurality of firing lanes for live fire training exercises. Themodular firing range may also include at least one sidewall pod formedfrom at least one additional modular container that may be coupled withat least one of the plurality of modular containers adjacent theplurality of firing lanes and protruding outward in a lateral directionfrom the plurality of firing lanes. The at least sidewall pod mayinclude one open side and walls on remaining sides such that the oneopen side is joined with the interior of the modular firing range. Theat least one sidewall pod may also include at least one target and atleast one bullet trap to provide lateral live fire engagement trainingopportunities.

In another embodiment, a method of installing a modular sidewallenhancement onto a modular firing range is provided. The method mayinclude assembling a main firing range body by coupling a plurality ofmodular containers to define a portion of an interior of the modularfiring range. The interior of the modular firing range may define aplurality of firing lanes for live fire training exercises. The methodmay also include coupling at least one sidewall pod to at least one ofthe plurality of modular containers adjacent the plurality of firinglanes such that the at least one sidewall pod protrudes outward in alateral direction from the plurality of firing lanes. The at least onesidewall pod may be formed from at least one additional modularcontainer. The at least sidewall pod may include one open side and wallson remaining sides such that the one open side may be joined with theinterior of the modular firing range. The method may further includeinstalling at least one target and at least one bullet trap in the atleast one sidewall pod to provide lateral live fire engagement trainingopportunities.

In another embodiment, a light protection system for a modular firingrange is provided. The light protection system may include a modularcontainer having a ceiling structure comprising armored plating, a lightelement mounted to the ceiling structure such that a power cable of thelight element extends through an aperture defined in the ceilingstructure, a fin plate coupled with an extending downward from thearmored plating and positioned at least on a side of the light elementproximate a live fire shooting location of the modular firing range. Thefin plate may be configured to protect the light element from ballisticprojectiles.

In another embodiment, a light protection system for a modular firingrange may include a modular container having a ceiling structure witharmored plating and a light element mounted to the ceiling structuresuch that a power cable of the light element extends through an aperturedefined in the ceiling structure. The light protection system may alsoinclude a fin plate coupled with an extending downward from the armoredplating and positioned at least on a side of the light element proximatea live fire shooting location of the modular firing range. The fin platemay be configured to protect the light element from ballisticprojectiles. The light protection system may further include ananti-ricochet material affixed to the armored plating.

In another embodiment, a method of assembling a light protection systemfor a modular firing range is provided. The method may include mountinga lighting element to armored plating forming a ceiling structure of amodular firing range such that the lighting element is positioned withinan interior of the modular firing range with a power cable of thelighting element extending through an aperture defined by the armoredplating. The method may also include affixing a fin plate to the armoredplating such that the fin plate extends downward from the armoredplating and is positioned at least on a side of the lighting elementthat is proximate a live fire shooting location of the modular firingrange. The fin plate may be configured to protect the lighting elementfrom ballistic projectiles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of variousembodiments may be realized by reference to the following figures. Inthe appended figures, similar components or features may have the samereference label. Further, various components of the same type may bedistinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a secondlabel that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the firstreference label is used in the specification, the description isapplicable to any one of the similar components having the same firstreference label irrespective of the second reference label.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of a modular firing range according toembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a modular firing range accordingto embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of a rotated modular firing rangeaccording to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of a modular firing range accordingto embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic of a modular firing range having sidewallpods according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a prior art HVAC system for use with a modular firingrange.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic of a modular HVAC system for use with amodular firing range according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8A depicts an isometric view of a modular firing range according toembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8B depicts an top view of a modular firing range according toembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9A illustrates front view of a support structure that enablesmodular firing systems with open floor plans according to embodiments ofthe invention.

FIG. 9B illustrates an isometric view of a support structure thatenables modular firing systems with open floor plans according toembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a modular firing range having an open floor planaccording to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a prior art connection for a modular firing range.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cleated connection for amodular firing range according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of a cleated connection for amodular firing range according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 13A is a closer view of the cleated connection for a modular firingrange of FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 illustrates a prior art baffle and lighting system for modularfiring ranges.

FIG. 15 illustrates a light protection system according to embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart depicting a process for assembling a modularfiring range according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart depicting a process for assembling a modularfiring range according embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart depicting a process for assembling a modularfiring range according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart depicting a process for a creating modular firingrange having an open floor plan according to embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart depicting a process for connecting an HVAC systemwith a modular firing range according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart depicting a process for installing a modularsidewall enhancement onto a modular firing range according toembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart depicting a process for assembling a lightprotection system for a modular firing range according to embodiments ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is describedhere with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but thisdescription is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of theclaims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, mayinclude different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction withother existing or future technologies. This description should not beinterpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among orbetween various steps or elements except when the order of individualsteps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

Embodiments of the invention(s) described herein are generally relatedto a modular firing range. That said, a person of ordinary skill in theart will understand that alternative embodiments may vary from theembodiments discussed herein, and alternative applications may exist.

Prefabricated, modular firing ranges may be used by military, lawenforcement, and/or other entities to quickly and easily create a safe,configurable, and cost-effective live-fire firing range for handguns,rifles, and/or other small arms. Such pre-fabricated firing rangestypically include one or more modular containers that are transportableby truck and quickly assembled on-site. These containers (e.g., ISOcontainers) could be joined to create a firing range with multiplefiring lanes, and may be assembled and disassembled to enable the firingrange to be effectively transported to any desirable site. For example,each of the containers may define an open interior space that providesspace in which a user may move about. By joining the interior spaces ofseveral containers, a scalable firing range may be designed and created.

Embodiments of the invention described herein provided additionalfeatures above and beyond traditional pre-fabricated firing ranges toadd enhanced functionality. The description herein describes theseembodiments, with reference to the attached figures.

Turning now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a modular firing range 100 inaccordance with the present invention is illustrated. The modular firingrange 100 is formed from a number of containers 102, such as ISOshipping containers, that have been positioned adjacent and coupled toone another to create an environment that provides targeting andballistic containment for live fire training exercises. In theillustrated embodiment, the containers 102 may fit into three basicstandardized container types: A, B, and C, which may be used to form afiring range three containers 102 wide and three containers 102 long.

For example, the container type A may include end rooms that providespace for control rooms, plant rooms, and/or other areas, such as firingstations. This allows container type A to serve as initial entry roomsand/or areas in which a trainer may be to monitor the activity oftrainees as they perform drills within the modular firing range 100.This also allows container type A to serve as a starting point formobile firing drills and/or a shooting stall for stationary firingdrills. Accordingly, container type A may include one or more doors thatare used to control access to the firing range 100. Other containers 102may include doors as well (or alternatively), but in some embodiments itmay be advantageous to provide doors and/or other access points incontainer type A to prevent the possibility of someone entering themodular firing range 100 downstream of a live fire exercise that isunderway.

Container type B may include open space that provides space/length forthe modular shooting range 100. For example, for stationary shootingdrills in which the trainee remains stationary and shoots down range atone or more targets, any number of containers 102 of container type Bmay be inserted to increase the distance between the shooting stall andthe target downrange of the stall to increase the length of the firingrange 100. Container type B may include any number of targets positionedalong a length of each firing lane. In some embodiments, these targetsmay include popup, drop down, turning, and/or moving targets (such aspaper human targets) that may be triggered to move into an engagedposition in which the targets are visible to trainees. In mobile firingdrills in which a trainee traverses a length off the firing range 100and fires at targets when made visible, any number of containers 102 ofcontainer type B may be used to provide a proper sized training area. Insome embodiments, each container 102 of container type B may define oneor more firing lanes of the firing range 100 that each allow space for atrainee to use to perform drills.

Container type C may be configured to serve as the termination point forthe modular firing range 100. For example, the containers 102 ofcontainer type C may include bullet traps, targets, and/or otherfeatures that can be placed at the end of each firing lane of the firingrange 100. In such embodiments, one or more bullet traps may bepositioned near a far end of the container 102 and may collect anyrounds that have been fired toward the end of the container 102.

While discussed with container type A being largely used for staging andmonitoring, container type B providing firing lane distance and targets,and container type C providing targets and/or bullet traps, it will beappreciated that the functionality of each container type may bemodified to suit the needs of a particular application. For example,various containers may be used for completely different functions and/orfunctions from one container type may be integrated into anothercontainer type and/or removed from one container type and put intoanother. Mobile firing ranges 100 constructed from the containers 102may be fully customizable as long as care is taken to maintain a 360°ballistic containment profile around any area in which live fireexercises are performed. Moreover, various equipment, such as shootingstalls, staging areas (which may include desks and/orcomputers/monitors), cameras, targets, bullet traps, and the like may bepreinstalled in the containers 102 prior to shipment and/or may beinstalled during and/or after assembly of the firing range 100. Thelatter arrangement enables the firing range 100 to be more fullycustomizable to meet the needs of a particular training environment.

Each container type may have three different versions, such thatcontainers 102 from nine standardized container types can be utilized tocreate a prefabricated firing range of any width or length. For example,container type A may include three different versions that havedifferent exterior wall configurations. Container A1 may include a frontend wall 104 and a left lateral sidewall 106. This allows container A1to be positioned at a front corner of the firing range 100. Container A3may include a front end wall 104 and a right lateral sidewall 108. Thisallows container A3 to be positioned alongside and opposite container A1to create a closed end of a firing range 100. In some embodiments, onlya container A1 and A3 may be used, allowing a user to construct a firingrange 100 that is only two containers 102 wide. In other embodiments,such as that illustrated in FIG. 1, any number of containers A2 may beinserted between a container A1 and a container A3 to expand the widthof the firing range 100. Each container A2 may include a front end wall104, but no lateral side walls 106 or 108. As such, the addition of oneor more containers A2 may be used to increase the size of the firingrange 100 without adding any interior partitioning walls.

Similarly, container type B may include three different versions withdifferent exterior wall configurations. For example, container B1 mayinclude a left lateral wall 106, but does not include any end walls.Container B3 may include a right lateral wall 108, but also does notinclude any end walls. This allows container B3 to be positionedalongside and opposite container B1 to create sides (and a main body) ofa firing range 100. In some embodiments, only a container B1 and B3 maybe used, allowing a user to construct a firing range 100 that is onlytwo containers 102 wide. In other embodiments, such as that illustratedin FIG. 1, any number of containers B2 may be inserted between acontainer B1 and a container B3 to expand the width of the firing range100. Each container B2 may include no end walls and no lateral sidewalls. As such, the addition of one or more containers B2 may be used toincrease the size of the firing range 100 without adding any interiorpartitioning walls.

Container type C may include three different versions that havedifferent exterior wall configurations. Container C1 may include a rearend wall 110 and a left lateral sidewall 106. This allows container C1to be positioned at a rear corner of the firing range 100. Container C3may include a rear end wall 110 and a right lateral sidewall 108. Thisallows container C3 to be positioned alongside and opposite container C1to create a closed end of a firing range 100. In some embodiments, onlya container C1 and C3 may be used, allowing a user to construct a firingrange 100 that is only two containers 102 wide. In other embodiments,such as that illustrated in FIG. 1, any number of containers C2 may beinserted between a container C1 and a container C3 to expand the widthof the firing range 100. Each container C2 may include a rear end wall110, but no lateral side walls 106 or 108. As such, the addition of oneor more containers C2 may be used to increase the size of the firingrange 100 without adding any interior partitioning walls.

The use of such a modular container system creates a scalable modularfiring range system that only requires nine different container designsto be fabricated, while allowing any number of configurations with anynumber of firing lanes available to satisfy the needs of a particulartraining operation and/or space constraints. Such systems make sizeadjustments a matter of adding and/or subtracting rows and/or columns ofcontainers 102. For example, reducing the width of the firing range isas simple removing a row of containers (e.g., A2-C2), while reducing thelength of the firing range is a matter of removing a column ofcontainers (e.g., B1-B3). On the other hand, additional rows (A2-C2)and/or columns (B1-B3) can be added to create a firing range having anywidth or length.

While discussed as having three main container categories, it will beappreciated that other container categories (or fewer) may be utilizedto fit the needs of a particular application. The number of containercategories may have an effect on the total number of variations ofcontainers necessary to craft the various configurations of firingranges, as adding to the number of primary container categories (A, B,C, etc.) may require larger numbers of container types to be produced.When selecting container configurations, any combination may beconnected to provide a continuous outer wall that serves as a ballisticcontainment perimeter for the live firing exercises.

While not discussed as having any interior walls, firing range 100 mayinclude interior walls in some embodiments. For example, dividing walls,partitions, stalls, and/or other obstructions may be positioned in themodular firing range 100. These obstructions may extend along all orpart of a single container 102 and/or multiple containers 102. In someembodiments, the obstructions may extend fully from a floor to ceiling,while some obstructions extend partially upward from the floor. It willbe appreciated that some of these obstructions may be formed fromexterior walls of the containers 102. For example, some or allcontainers 102 may have both right and left lateral sidewalls 106, 108such that some of the lateral sidewalls are positioned in an interior ofthe firing range 100 and serve to divide the firing range 100. In otherembodiments, the only lateral sidewalls of each container 102 are thosedescribed and illustrated with respect to FIG. 1. Such embodimentsenable firing ranges 100 having open floor plans to be constructed asdiscussed in relation to FIG. 9A. The obstructions may be positionedinteriorly of container sidewalls in some embodiments. Theseobstructions may be constructed as part of the containers 102 themselvesand/or may be affixed to the interior the containers 102/firing range100 during assembly of the firing range 100.

FIG. 2 demonstrates an isometric view of a portion of one firing range100 arrangement constructed using containers 102. For example, twocontainers 102 of each of container types A, B, and C are shown here toproduce a firing range 100. As shown here, the containers 102 ofcontainer type A include staging areas 112 and shooting stalls 114. Thecontainers 102 of container type B include firing lanes 116, and thecontainers 102 of container type C include bullet traps 118 that aredesigned to receive and retain any ballistic shells that are firedtoward a distal end of the firing range 100.

Such containers can be used to create an entirely open range by rotatingthe containers 90 degrees, such as shown in FIG. 3. Here, rotatedcontainers 302 allow for the creation of an entirely unobstructedshooting for multiple parallel shooting lanes (up to 9, according tosome embodiments, although other embodiments may have more or fewershooting lanes).

Containers 302 may be modular, in a manner similar to the modularcontainers 102 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 above. That is, two sets ofone or two containers D1 and D3 may be used at each end and there may bea modular type of container D2 used between these two sets of containersto comprise the firing lanes of the firing range, where any number ofthese modular containers D2 may be used, based on desired length of thefiring range 300. Such a modular container may therefore be similar tothe modular container B2 shown in FIG. 1 above.

As shown, three versions of containers 302 may be utilized to constructa firing range 300 of any length when positioned side by side along thelongitudinal side (with the longest sides of each container 302 beingused to define the width of the firing range 300), rather than thelateral side as done in firing range 100. For example, a container D1may be utilized on a first end of the firing range 300 and may include aleft lateral wall 306 (formed by an end of the container 302), a frontend wall 304 (formed by a side of the container 302), and a rightlateral wall 308 (formed by a second end of the container 302). At anopposite end, the firing range 300 may include a container D3, which mayinclude a left lateral wall 306 (formed by an end of the container 302),a rear end wall 310 (formed by a side of the container 302), and a rightlateral wall 308 (formed by a second end of the container 302).Containers D1 and D3 may be positioned on opposite ends of the firingrange 300 to provide ballistic containment on either end of the firingrange 300. To increase the length of the firing range 300, any number ofcontainers D2 may be positioned between containers D1 and D3. ContainersD2 may include a left lateral wall 306 (formed by an end of thecontainer 302) a right lateral wall 308 (formed by a second end of thecontainer 302), but do not include any end walls. Using a threecontainer arrangement as illustrated here allows for any length offiring range 300 to be constructed using three container types, whileproviding a significantly wide firing range 300 by taking advantage ofthe longitudinal side by side arrangement of the containers 302.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, only two containertypes may be necessary, as container type D1 may be rotated 180° to forma container of type D3. This is possible in embodiments where HVACfittings for supply and extraction lines are uniform. Additionalconcerns with a two container embodiment are the presence of doorsand/or other access points at two ends of the firing range 300. Forexample, if three containers 302 are used, only D1 may include accesspoints, which may prevent users from entering the firing range 300downstream of an active live fire exercise. If only two container typesare utilized, then both ends of the firing range 300 may include accesspoints. In such instances, special care may need to be taken to ensurethat the access points downstream of any active exercises are securelylocked to prevent accidental entry.

FIG. 4 demonstrates one embodiment of just one arrangement of a firingrange 400 formed using three container types such as described inrelation to FIG. 3. For example, firing range 400 includes a container402 of type D1 that defines an entryway 404 to a number of shootingstalls 406 and firing lanes 408 defined by containers 402 of type D2.Bullet traps 410 are positioned at a far end of the firing range 400 ina container 402 of type D2 and a container 402 of type D3 (although insome embodiments only a container 402 of type D3 may include bullettraps 410). In the illustrated embodiment, additional containers 402 areused for additional purposes and may not be necessary in allapplications. For example, an HVAC supply container 412 and an HVACextraction container 414 are provided at either end of the firing range400 to provide temperature regulation and to control airflow within thefiring range 400 as discussed in greater detail below. A control roomcontainer 416 is provided near the container 402 of type D1, and anumber of storage containers 418 are provided along a side of the firingrange 400. While shown here with some of the additional containers beingof different container types, it will be appreciated that any of theseadditional containers may be omitted and/or designed to match anexciting container type (such as type D1 and/or D3) to meet the needs ofthe particular training application and space requirements while stillminimizing the number of different container types that need to beconstructed to enable the production of modular firing ranges. It willbe further appreciated that the above embodiment is only illustrative innature and any number of permutations of containers of types D1, D2,and/or D3 may be connected to one another to form firing ranges havingdesired characteristics.

Embodiments of the invention may optionally include sidewall “pods” thatprovide an additional space, adjacent to a firing lane, to allowadditional engagement by a trainee in a lateral direction relative tothe firing range. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, one embodiment of afiring range 500 that includes sidewall pods 504 is shown. Here, firingrange 500 is formed in a manner similar to that described in relation toFIG. 1. For example, containers 502 similar to types A, B, and C arecoupled end to end (rather than side by side as done in FIG. 3) to forma firing range 500 having an entry/staging area 506, range area 508, andbullet trap area 510. Firing range 500 also includes an HVAC supplycontainer 512 and HVAC extraction container 514 similar to thosedescribed in greater detail below. In the present embodiment, thesidewall pods 504 are positioned alongside the range area 508 andproject outward from the rest of the outer perimeter of the firing range500. The sidewall pods 504 in the present embodiment have a wallstructure similar to that of container type D3 described above, andutilize two end walls 516 and one lateral side wall 518 to expand theinterior of the firing range 500 while maintaining ballistic containmentin 360°. While shown here as full containers of the D3 wallconfiguration, it will be appreciated that other sidewall pod 504designs, including partial containers, containers in other orientations,and/or multiple containers having the same or different wall structuresmay be used to construct each sidewall pod 504. For example, a sidewallpod 504 may be formed from several containers 502, such as a sidewallpod 504 formed from a container of type A1 or C1, a container of type A3or C3, and/or any number (including zero) containers of type B1 or B3,to form an elongate sidewall pod 504. Any combination of containers,sizes, shapes, and/or orientations of containers 502 may be utilized toconstruct a sidewall pod 504 of a desired size and shape as long asballistic containment in all directions is maintained.

The sidewall pods 504 may provide additional space for equipmentstorage/placement within firing range 500. In some embodiments, theequipment may include targets and/or bullet traps. In such embodiments,the sidewall pods 504 provide the ability for training engagement notonly down-lane of each firing lane, but also provide lateral engagementtechniques that allow trainees to practice firing at lateral targets aswell as down-lane targets. This can provide close quarter engagementpractice in combination or in alternative to the long distanceengagement normally provided by the more elongate firing lanes, asarrangements such as the one illustrated provide target positions thatmust be relatively close to the trainee. Such arrangements allow fortargets to be provided both downstream or laterally relative to atrainee (either simultaneously, or selectively based on the needs of aparticular training drill) such that training exercises may involvedistance training, proximity training, or both and training exercisesmay be conducted that involve trainees being forced to switch betweendistance training and proximity training to locate and engage with therelevant target, which may show up in any direction downstream and/orwith respect to the trainee's position within the firing range 500.

As hinted at above, oftentimes modular firing ranges include HVACsystems that provide air circulation, as well as temperature control(heat, air conditioning, humidity control, etc.) to the modular firingranges. Conventionally, such HVAC systems were mounted to the roof ofthe modular firing ranges as shown in FIG. 6. For example, an HVACsupply system 602 was mounted at a proximal end of roof of a firingrange 600, while an HVAC extraction system 604 was mounted atop a distalend of the firing range 600. Such placement led to several problems, asthe height of the HVAC systems required maintenance personnel to climbatop the firing range 600 and service the HVAC systems from an elevatedheight, which could lead to unsafe working conditions due to the risk offalling. Additionally, roof-mounted HVAC systems such as shown in FIG. 6require HVAC connections to be made through the roof of the firing range600. Such connections, while typically sealed, may still run into waterleakage problems, especially as gaskets fail, due to the orientation ofthe connections. Specifically, the connections require upward facingopenings to be made in the roof of the containers making up the firingrange 600, which may be particularly susceptible to the ingress ofstanding and/or falling water. These roof-mounted systems also must bedecommissioned and removed for storage, and required greater containerroof strengths given the weight of the systems and the need toadditionally support maintenance personnel who must service the HVACsystem.

To provide a simpler, safer maintenance process, as well as to reducethe issue of weatherproofing, embodiments of the modular firing rangesdescribed herein may include HVAC supply and extraction units that arelocated on the side of the modular containers of the firing range,rather than on the roof. Not only does this alleviate waterproofing andmaintenance issues that arise for roof-mounted HVAC systems, but suchdesigns also allow an HVAC plant to be factory installed andcommissioned within containers, which are then attached to the modularcontainers of the prefabricated firing range. Accordingly, these HVACcontainers can have modularity similar to the modularity of thecontainers of the prefabricated firing range. Additionally, suchsolutions may reduce construction/installation costs and may isolatesound breakout from the HVAC plant, as the HVAC systems themselves arehoused within modular containers instead of being mounted to an exteriorof the modular firing range. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a modular firingrange 700 is constructed having a main firing range body 702 thatprovides 360° of ballistic containment and which may be constructedaccording to any design and structure principles disclosed herein. Forexample, the firing range body 702 may be constructed in a mannersimilar to that described in relation to FIG. 1 in which containersselected from container types A, B, and/or C are coupled together toform a modular firing range having a staging area, firing range/lanearea, and/or target/bullet trap area. In other embodiments, the firingrange body 702 may be constructed from containers of container typesD1-D3. In some embodiments, firing range body 702 may include modularsidewall pods and/or storage containers.

As illustrated, firing range body 702 is coupled to an HVAC supplycontainer 704 at a proximal side of the firing range body 702. HVACsupply container 704 is coupled with the firing range body 702 using oneor more supply ducts 706. These ducts 706 may be installed at thefactory and/or may be installed on-site in the field, such as byinserting the ductwork through openings defined in the containers thatmake up the firing range body 702 and the HVAC supply container 704.These openings and/or the ducts 706 may be sealed, such as usinggaskets, to prevent the ingress of water or debris into the HVAC systemthat could otherwise be passed into the firing range body 702.Oftentimes, the ducts 706 may be coupled with one another and/or theHVAC container 704 and/or the firing range body 702 using fasteners,clamps, an/or other securement mechanisms. For example, fasteners may beinserted through a flanged connection and tightened to couple thevarious duct components together to create a fluid pathway for air fromthe HVAC supply system.

HVAC supply container 704 includes any number of HVAC units 708, such asheating units, air conditioning units, humidifiers, dehumidifiers,filtration units, and the like. Air may be drawn into the HVAC units 708via one or more fluid ports 710 defined in an exterior of the HVACsupply container 704. The number and type of HVAC units 708 may bedetermined based on the needs of a particular training application, aswell as the location, current weather/climate and the like. For example,in the summer, the HVAC units 708 may include air conditioning units tocounteract the heat, while in the winter, HVAC units 708 may includeheating units. In some embodiments, HVAC units 708 may be selected tosimulate a particular set of training conditions. For example, if a setof trainees is training to a mission in a warm, humid climate, the HVACunits 708 may include heating units and humidifiers that can increasethe temperature and humidity levels within the firing range. Similarly,if the mission is in a cold dry climate, the HVAC units 708 may includeair conditioning (and/or refrigeration) units and/or dehumidifiers tosimulate mission conditions.

Oftentimes, the HVAC units 708 may be installed into the HVAC supplycontainer 704 at the factory, requiring only the HVAC supply container704 be hooked up to the firing range body 702 using the ducts 706 duringinstallation. In such embodiments, each HVAC supply container 704 may bemanufactured with the same HVAC units 708 and/or each HVAC supplycontainer 704 may be specially ordered with a particular set of HVACunits 708 to meet the needs of particular application. As just oneexample, in embodiments where all HVAC supply containers 704 include thesame preselected set of HVAC units 708, one or more of each type ofavailable HVAC units 708 may be included.

Also coupled with the firing range body 702 is an HVAC extractioncontainer 712 at a distal side of the firing range body 702. HVACextraction container 712 is configured to provide a ventilation systemto the firing range 700 to allow for fresh air to be pumped throughoutthe firing range body 702. In some embodiments, one or more fans (notshown) may be used to draw air out from the firing range body 702, whichmay be expelled through one or more ventilation ports 716 defined by anexterior of the HVAC extraction container 712. HVAC extraction container712 is coupled with the firing range body 702 using one or more ventingducts 714. These ducts 714 may be installed at the factory and/or may beinstalled on-site in the field, such as by inserting the ductworkthrough openings defined in the containers that make up the firing rangebody 702 and the HVAC extraction container 712. These openings and/orthe ducts 714 may be sealed, such as using gaskets, to prevent theingress of water or debris into the HVAC system that could otherwise bepassed into the firing range body 702. Oftentimes, the ducts 714 may becoupled with one another and/or the HVAC extraction container 712 and/orthe firing range body 702 using fasteners, clamps, an/or othersecurement mechanisms. For example, fasteners may be inserted through aflanged connection and tightened to couple the various duct componentstogether to create a fluid pathway for air from the HVAC extractionsystem.

While shown here with one HVAC supply container 704 and one HVACextraction container 712, it will be appreciated that any number ofsupply and/or extraction containers may be utilized in a particularapplication. Moreover, the size of each container may be adjusted tomeet the demands of the application. For example, larger firing ranges700 may utilize larger HVAC containers such that a greater number ofHVAC units 708 and/or connections may be provided to increase airfloweffects. In other embodiments, smaller, specialized HVAC containers maybe utilized to achieve desired climate effects. For example, a trainingorganization may keep on hand a variety of different HVAC containers fordifferent purposes, such as a refrigeration container that includesunits to cool the temperature of a firing range, while a humidity and/orheating container may be hooked up to a firing range to simulate a hot,humid environment. It will be appreciated that any number ofcombinations of sizes, numbers, and/or types of HVAC containers may beutilized.

Additionally, while shown with the HVAC containers positioned with theirsides by an end of the firing range body 702 to minimize the footprintof the firing range 700 and to provide more area for ductworkconnections, in some embodiments the HVAC containers may be positionedend to end with the firing range body 702. The placement of the HVACcontainers may also vary. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the HVACcontainers may be stacked atop the containers that make up the modularfiring range. In such embodiments, the ductwork is still configured toconnect the HVAC containers to the modular firing range containers onhorizontally facing surfaces to aid in weatherproofing.

While placing the ductwork at opposite ends of the firing range body 702may be useful to minimize irregular airflow or cross-lane airflow, itwill be appreciated that the HVAC containers and/or the ductworkconnections may be attached with the firing range body 702 at differentlocations that are not at the ends of the firing range body 702. In someembodiments, ductwork may be elongated and/or bent to allow forplacement of the HVAC containers to be along the lateral sides of thefiring range body 702 while still connecting the airflow ducts at theends of the container bodies. While not shown, the containers making upthe firing range body 702 may also include interior ductwork that mayallow air to and from the HVAC system to be directed to desiredlocations and in desired directions within the firing range body 702,which may be used to control airflow conditions during firing exercisesand/or may allow lateral (rather than end) duct connections of the HVACsystems to have end to end airflow within the firing range body.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate one arrangement of a modular firing range 800designed in accordance with the present invention. Firing range 800includes a firing range body 802 that includes an arrangement of modularcontainers (either from A1-C3 or from D1-D3) that include astaging/control/supervision area 804, a firing range area 806 having anumber of firing lanes 808 and a number of targets 810 arranged withinthe firing range area 806. A number of bullet traps 812 may be providedat a distal end of the firing range body 802. Here, an HVAC supplycontainer 814 is positioned at a proximate end of the firing range body802 and an HVAC extraction container 816 is positioned at a distal endof the firing range body 802. It will be appreciated that otherarrangements of firing range 800 are possible, and that more or lessmodular containers may be used to create the firing range 800. Inaddition, different containers, such as sidewall pods may be included tofurther enhance/customize the firing range 800 for a particularapplication.

Conventional modular firing ranges that are constructed from ISOshipping containers include separation walls between each container thatare formed from the outer (side and/or end) walls of the containeritself. In some embodiments, such as those illustrated in the drawingsherein, the modular containers of the modular firing plan are modifiedto accommodate an open floor plan. To do this, some or all of theseparation walls may be removed and replaced with a support structurethat ties into the existing containers and provides structural strengthand stability once one or more sidewalls are removed. The open floorplan allows trainees to move laterally within the firing range, and alsoprovides a greater field of vision for instructors, which leads toincreased safety. Additionally, the removal of sidewalls may reduce thequantity of armored steel needed to produce a safe firing range, asthere are no separation walls that need to be reinforced.

A support structure 900 that is used to support the roof 902 of acontainer 904 when a separation wall is removed is illustrated in FIGS.9A and 9B. Support structure 900 includes a first column 906 that ispositioned at (or near) a first corner of the container 904 and extendsbetween a top panel (roof/ceiling) of the container 904 and a bottompanel (floor structure) of the container 904. A second column 908 ispositioned at (or near) a second corner of the container 904 that isopposite the first along a same edge of the container 904. The secondcolumn 908 also extends between a top panel (roof/ceiling) of thecontainer 904 and a bottom panel (floor structure) of the container 904.Each of columns 906 and 908 are typically made of steel and/or othermetal alloys and are between about 100 mm and 300 mm in width,oftentimes about 250 mm, although other widths may be utilized. Thewidth and/or thickness of the metal columns 906 and 908 may be selectedbased on the weights and/or dimensions of the container 904 and/or theweights and/or dimensions of the separation wall being removed. Forexample, if the separation wall being replaced by support structure 900is an end wall, the dimensions may be smaller and smaller columns 906and 908 may be utilized. Similarly, if the separation wall being removedis an elongate sidewall of a large container 904, the columns 906 and908 may be scaled up in size to accommodate the additional mass that waspreviously supported by the separation wall.

Columns 906 and 908 are configured to support a beam 910 that extendsacross the top edge of the container 904. In some embodiments, a singlebeam 910 may extend entirely (or substantially) across the top edge suchthat it fully spans the distance between the first column 906 and thesecond column 908. This is particularly common for the replacement ofshorter separation walls, such as end walls, or side walls of smallercontainers 904. In embodiments in which the separation wall beingreplaced is longer, such as for sidewalls of larger containers 904, twoor more beams 910 may be used to span the distance between the firstcolumn 906 and the second column 908. In such cases, the beams 910 mayoften be spliced together, such as using end plated, bolted cover plate,fully welded one sided cover plate, and/or fully but welded techniques.

Beam 910 may be coupled to the columns 906 and 908 in any number ofmanners. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, an end of beam 910 is restedatop and secured to each of the columns 906 and 908. The ends of beam910 may be secured to the tops of columns 906 and 908 using boltedand/or welded connections. In some embodiments, these connections may bereinforced using angle cleats and/or other reinforcement mechanisms. Inother embodiments, the beam 910 may be secured between the columns 906and 908, rather than atop the columns 906 and 908. For example,seat-angle connections, web standard beam connections, combined web seatangle connections, end plate connections, and/or other beam connectionsmay be used to secure the beam 910 with the columns 906 and 908.

In some embodiments, one or more additional columns 912 may be includedin support structure 900. Column(s) 912 may be positioned at medialpositions at regular intervals along a length of the open side of thecontainer 904. As shown here, a single column 912 is positioned directlyin between the columns 906 and 906 and supports a medial portion of thebeam 910. Usage of medial columns 912 may be particularly useful forlonger containers 904 and/or for containers that have particularly heavyroof structures, as the column(s) 912 provide additional support for thebeam 910 and roof of the container 904. Oftentimes, column(s) 912 may bethinner than columns 906 and 908 and often have widths of between about80 mm and 150 mm, although other widths may be used to meet thestructural needs of a particular application. It will be appreciatedthat it may be desirable to eliminate the use of medial columns 912 toopen up the floor plan of the firing ranges as much as possible. In suchembodiments, the width, thicknesses, and/or materials of columns 906 and908 and/or beam 910 may be selected to create a stronger supportstructure 900 so as to render medial column(s) 912 unnecessary.

Beam 910 and columns 906, 908, and 912 may be any cross sectional shape.For example, beam 910 and columns 906, 908, and/or 912 may have I-shapedcross sections, rectangular shaped cross sections, circular crosssections, and/or cross sections of other shapes. In some embodiments,beam 910 and columns 906, 908, and/or 912 may include stiffeners and/orother features that increase the strength and rigidity of the particularstructure, enabling the support structure 900 to support greater loads.In rectangular beam/column embodiments, it will be appreciate that theheight and base dimensions of the cross-sections may be the same(square-shaped) or different. For example, the base and width dimensionsfor a particular column may be approximately 100 mm×300 mm, althoughnumerous other dimensions are possible based on the needs of theparticular application.

It will be appreciated that any number of separation walls of acontainer 904 may be replaced using support structure 900. For example,a container A1, A3, C1, C3, and/or D2 may have two separation walls (oneend and one sidewall for A1, A3, C1, and C3 and two sidewalls for D2)removed and replaced with support structures 900. A container D1 or D3may have a single sidewall removed and replaced with support structure900. A container A2, B1, B3, and/or C2 may have three separation walls(both end walls and one sidewall for B1 and B3 and both sidewalls andone end wall for A2 and C2) removed and replaced with support structures900. Container B2 may have all four walls removed and replaced withsupport structures 900. Still other combinations of separation wallremoval and support structure usage may be contemplated in accordancewith the present invention to create any desired design of modularfiring range with an open floor plan.

Moreover, in some embodiments, a portion of a single separation wall maybe removed and replaced with a support structure 900. For example, halfof a sidewall of a container 904 may be removed and replaced with asupport structure 900. In such a case, the columns 906 and 908 may bepositioned based on the outer bounds of the opening provided by theremoval of the portion of the sidewall and one or both of column 906 or908 may not be positioned in a corner of a container 904. For example,if the half of the removed sidewall portion includes a corner of thesidewall, then one of the columns 906 and 908 will be positioned at ornear the corner while the other will be positioned at an opposing end ofthe opening and will not be at or near a corner of the container 904. Ifthe portion of the removed sidewall is from a medial portion (such asthe center) of the sidewall, then both columns 906 and 908 will bespaced apart from the corners of the container 904. Such removal of aportion of a separation wall may be particularly useful, for example, inembodiments where a smaller container is used as a sidewall pod that ispositioned adjacent a container 904 that has an outer wall formed from asidewall of a full size container. In such embodiments, only a portionof the sidewall of container 904 is removed to match the shorterdimension of the small container used for the sidewall pod.

The firing ranges described herein, while often fashioned from ISOshipping containers, may have a more finished interior than standard ISOshipping containers. For example, an armor layer, such as armor plating,may be applied to an interior surface of each shipping container. Thearmor plating may be applied to any side/end walls, the ceiling, thecolumns/beams of the support structure, and/or the floor. This armorplating may be formed from AR500 steel and/or other ballistic gradeshielding that can serve to constrain ballistic projectiles within theconfines of the firing range. Oftentimes, this shielding may be betweenapproximately 5 mm and 15 mm thick, with thicknesses of approximately 10mm being common, although other thicknesses may be used to meet theneeds of a particular application. Additionally, a coating or layer ofanti-ricochet material, such as a rubber and/or polyboard material maybe applied to the armor plating. This provides several benefits. Forexample, the anti-ricochet material may prevent ballistic shells fromricocheting off interior surfaces of the firing range where thericochets could make the shells dangerous to the trainees within thefiring range. Additionally, the anti-ricochet material may provide soundinsulation that will dampen the sounds produced by the firearms orvoices within the firing range, and may also prevent or reduce theeffect of echoes and other distracting sounds. Furthermore, such coatingmay provide the interior of the firing ranges with a more finishedappearance that provides a more welcoming training environment thanplain shipping containers, which may give off a warehouse aesthetic.Such a finished approach is illustrated in FIG. 10, which demonstrates afiring range 1000 having an open floor plan in which the walls 1002,floors 1004, ceilings 1006, and/or support columns 1008 are wrapped inarmor plating, which is then surrounded by a rubber anti-ricochet layer.

As discussed above, the modular containers described herein may beconstructed using standard ISO shipping containers, which may bemanufactured to low tolerances. For example, 40 foot ISO containers aredesigned to the dimensions and tolerances shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 40 Foot ISO Shipping Container Dimensions Tolerance (mm)Classification Dimension (mm) Lower (−) Upper (+) External Length 1219210 0 Width 2438 5 0 Height 2896 5 0 Internal Length 12032 10 0 Width2352 5 0 Height 2698 5 0 Door Opening Width 2340 5 0 Height 2585 5 0

Even these small size differences lead to gaps in the ballisticcontainment when containers of slightly different sizes are complexedtogether to form a modular firing range. Moreover, such gaps can createareas of turbulent airflow that may affect the trajectories of ballisticprojectiles firing in the firing range. Prior art solutions involved theuse of steel baffles 1102 that overlap an adjacent container 1100 asshown in FIG. 11. These baffles 1102 would be mounted to an interior ofthe roof structure 1104 of the containers 1100 and be gradually angledand/or bent slightly downward so that each baffle 1102 may extend beyondthe start of the baffle 1102 on an adjacent container 1100. However,using baffles 1102 in this manner creates pinch points (at the downwardangled/bent portion) that reduce the interior space (lane width and/orlane height), while also leaving a gap 1106 in ballistic containmentbetween the baffles 1102, which not only provide a path through whichmisfired live rounds can escape the firing range and may create a spacefor turbulent air flow.

To provide gapless connections between modular containers to eliminatepinch points and maximizing linewidths, as well as to prevent turbulentflows, embodiments may utilize a cleated connection to couple containerstogether and to provide full ballistic containment as shown in FIG. 12.For example, FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section of edges 1202 of twoadjacent containers 1200 that are coupled together using a cleatedconnection. As shown here, each container 1200 includes an outer surface1204, an armored plating 1206 on an interior of the container 1200, andspacers 1208 (such as rods or channels like hat channels or lippedchannels) that separate the armored plating 1206 from a rubber and/orother anti-ricochet layer 1210. However, in embodiments in which thesidewalls may be expected to face more direct shooting, such as sidewallpod embodiments, the anti-ricochet layer 1210 may be affixed directly tothe armored plating 1206, such as by using an adhesive to bond thelayers together. Armored plating 1206 may be permanently affixed to thewalls of container 1200, such as by welding and/or other permanentsecurement techniques. It will be appreciated that the structure ofcontainer 1200 is merely one example of the structural and finishinglayers of a container 1200 and that other arrangements of containerstructures may be contemplated in accordance with the present invention.To seal the gap between armored plating 1206 of the two containers 1200,a separate armored plate 1212 is mounted onto the armored plating 1206of both of the containers 1200 such that the armored plate 1212 spansand covers the entire gap, thereby providing full ballistic containmentbetween the containers 1200. To secure the armored plate 1212 to thearmored plating 1206, removable coupling mechanisms may be used suchthat the armored plate 1212 may be removed when disassembling the firingrange. For example, bolts, rivets, and/or other fasteners may beinserted through the armored plate 1212 and the armored plating 1206 tosecure the armored plate 1212 to the armored plating 1206. This processmay be done prior to affixing the rubber layer 1210 to the armoredplating 1206.

Each container edge 1202 may include one or more cleats 1214 that arepositioned along the edge 1202. The cleats 1214 may have a fixed portion1216 that is secured to the edge 1202 using welds, fasteners, and/orother securement techniques. Each cleat 1214 may also include a securingportion 1218 that is configured to contact the securing portion 1218 ofanother cleat 1214 when two containers 1200 are aligned and adjacentwith one another. Fastening mechanisms 1220 may be used to secure theadjacent cleats 1214 together to secure the containers 1200 in gaplesscontact with one another. For example, in some embodiments bolts orrivets may be inserted through apertures defined by each securingportion 1218 to lock the two cleats 1214 together. In other embodiments,clamps or other mechanisms may be used to hold the cleats 1214 inengagement with one another.

FIGS. 13 and 13A demonstrate the positioning and usage of cleats 1302(similar to cleats 1214) to secure two containers 1300 together. Here, anumber of cleats 1302 are spaced along the sides and top of the matingedges 1304 of the containers 1300 (although in some embodiments cleats1302 may only be included on one or two of the sides and/or top) atequal intervals to connect the containers 1300 together in an end to endfashion (although similar arrangements may also be used to matecontainers 1300 in a side by side fashion). For example, cleats 1302 maybe spaced apart every 1-10 feet from one another, with intervals ofevery 2-5 feet common, and intervals of every 2.5 feet being morecommon. Each cleat 1302 may be similar to an angle bracket and mayinclude a fixed portion 1306 and a securing portion 1308. Fixed portion1306 may be secured in a parallel fashion to the outer surface 1310 ofan edge 1304 of container 1300 such that an outer face of the fixedportion 1306 is parallel to and faces/contacts the outer surface 1310 ofthe container 1300. Fixed portion 1306 may be secured to the outersurface 1310 of the container 1300 using fasteners (such as bolts orrivets) and/or by welding. In some embodiments, such as where ISOcontainers are not used, cleat 1302 may be formed integrally with thecontainer 1300. In such embodiments, the fixed portion 1306 may be apart of the outer surface 1310 and may or may not project outward fromthe rest of the outer surface 1310.

Securing portion 1308 may project at a substantially 90° angle from thefixed portion 1306 and may provide a mating surface for two cleats 1302to be brought into contact with and secured to one another to secure thecontainers 1300 together. Together the fixed portion 1306 and thesecured portion 1308 make up a generally L-shaped cleat 1302. Securingportion 1308 may define a number of apertures that are configured toreceive fasteners 1312, such as bolts or rivets, that, when tightened,secure the cleats 1302 together. In some embodiments, rather than (or inaddition to) using fasteners inserted through apertures in the securingportion 1308, clamps or other fastening mechanisms may be used to couplethe cleats 1302 together.

Oftentimes, cleats 1302 may be between 6 inches and 2 feet in length,and lengths of about 1 foot in length are common. The fixed portion 1306and/or securing portion may form mating flanges or surfaces that arebetween about 1 inch and 6 inches in width, with widths of between about2 and 4 inches being common. It will be appreciated that the size and/ornumber of cleats 1302 used in a particular application may be based onthe strength requirements of a particular connection, as well as thegeometry of the edges 1304 of the container 1300.

In some embodiments, the spacing and number of cleats 1302 may beselected to provide the greatest level of flexibility in designingmodular firing range arrangements. For example, the spacing and numberof cleats 1302 may not only allow for the containers 1300 to beperfectly aligned as illustrated here, but may also allow for some orall of the containers 1300 to be staggered relative to one another. Forexample, one container 1300 may be mated alongside two differentcontainers, such as to include a sidewall pod that needs to bepositioned adjacent and overlapping two containers on one side toprovide a particular lateral position for a lateral shooting target thatdoes not perfectly align with one individual container of the mainfiring range. In such embodiments, it is possible that only a portion ofeach of the two separation walls of the containers of the main firingrange to be removed such that when mated with the one container 1300,the two partial openings provided by removal of the portion of thesidewalls combine to form an opening matching that of the singlecontainer 1300 to provide a seamless appearance while still providing360° of ballistic containment.

Such placement of cleats 1302 may also allow containers 1300 to bepositioned at various orientations to one another. For example, some orall of the containers may be placed such that an end of one container ispositioned against a sidewall of another container 1300. This enablesgreater flexibility in firing range arrangement (although it may requireadditional standard container types to be manufactured and/or modifiedon site by removing some or all of an existing end or sidewall andreplacing it with a support structure such as described in relation toFIG. 9A), as nearly any combination and arrangement of containers 1300may be combined to form a custom firing range to meets the trainingneeds and/or space restrictions of a particular application.

In embodiments using cleated connections, a container's physicaldimensions are measured and a centerline is taken in both directions.Location cleats 1302 are then affixed to the container 1300 prior toshipping. For example, the cleats 1302 may be placed at regularintervals from the location of the centerline of the container 1300,either by centering the first cleat 1302 or by spacing two cleats 1302equidistant from the centerline. This ensures that when the cleats 1302are aligned, the containers 1300 will be aligned at their centers andwill eliminate any possible gaps in the containers 1300 that result fromthe manufacturing tolerances of the containers 1300 when slightlymisaligned as any differences in size will result in the thickness ofthe container 1300 creating at least some overlap between adjacentcontainers 1300, thereby covering up any possible gaps between thecontainers 1300 caused by normal misalignment. This, in combination withthe use of armored plates, such as armored plate 1212, to cover gapsformed between armor plating of the containers 1300 ensures thatballistic containment is maximized and the ability for turbulent airflowis minimized when the containers 1300 are mated.

Once the cleats 1302 are aligned, the containers 1300 may then becomplexed together using the cleats 1302 as a “hard stop” to help ensureall containers 1300 are located at the centers. Internal armored steelplates can then be set out from the centerline to create full ballisticcontainment. It will be understood, however, that particular dimensions,(e.g., length and width) are provided as examples, and alternativeembodiments may have different dimensions. Such embodiments can mitigatethe manufacturing tolerances of the containers and provide fullballistic containment, increase firing lane width by eliminating the useof baffles, and reduce turbulence in airflow.

Typically, conventional modular firing range solutions provided lightingusing angled baffles 1400 to provide armor for ballistic containment,while adding light fixtures 1402 in the gaps provided between the angledbaffles 1400 as demonstrated in FIG. 14. A major problem with suchdesigns is the resulting gap 1404 in ballistic containment created bythe area between the baffles 1400 in which the light fixture 1402 wasplaced. Additionally, such use of baffles 1400 creates unnecessaryshadows as the light emitted from the light fixtures 1402 is partiallyobstructed by the lower portion of the baffle 1400. To alleviate suchissues, embodiments of the present invention may include a flat,reinforced ceiling, which may serve to increase the floor to ceilingheight relative to baffled ceiling designs, while maintaining a 360°area of ballistic containment for the live fire rounds. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 15, armored plating 1502 (such as AR500 ballisticsteel, although other steel alloys and/or types of ballistic plating maybe utilized) extends along a top of a roof structure of a container 1500A lighting unit 1504 is mounted to the armored plating 1502 such thatthe lighting element 1504 extends below the armored plating 1502 andinto the interior of the container 1500 and a cable 1506 extends througha small hole formed in the armored plating 1502. To protect the cablehole, a steel plate hood 1508 may be positioned about all or part of thecable hole in some embodiments. Oftentimes, the hood 1508 may bepositioned downstream of an expected firing direction, although otherplacements are possible. To protect the lighting element 1504, anarmored fin plate 1510 may be positioned on one or more sides of thelighting element 1504. While shown here as only being provided on an uprange side of lighting element 1504, it will be appreciated that finplates 1510 may be positioned on other or all lateral sides of thelighting element 1504. The fin plate(s) 1510 may extend downward fromthe armored plating 1502 and protect the lighting element 1504 fromfired ballistic projectiles, while eliminating the gaps in ballisticprotection that are present when baffles are utilized.

Oftentimes, an anti-ricochet material 1514, such as a rubber, polyboard,and/or other material (oftentimes between about 30 mm and 50 mm thick,with thicknesses between 35 mm and 45 mm being common, although otherthicknesses may be utilized) may be affixed to the armored plating 1502.This may be done by affixing the anti-ricochet material 1514 to channels1512 and/or other mounting structures that may be coupled with thearmored plating 1502 and provide a gap between the armored plating 1502and the anti-ricochet material 1514. In some embodiments, the fin plate1510 may extend into the interior of the container 1500 such that adistal end of the fin plate 1510 is substantially flush with an innersurface of the anti-ricochet material 1514 to provide a seamless finishwhile maximizing the amount of protection for the lighting element 1504.Such arrangements also minimize the amount of obstruction of lightemitted from lighting element 1504, thereby minimizing any shadowsproduced by the ballistic containment system.

While described generally as being constructed from standard ISOcontainers, it will be appreciated that some applications may involvethe use of specially constructed containers, such may be manufacture tocustom sizes, shapes (i.e., non-rectangular), tolerances, and/or otherspecifications to meet the needs of a particular application. Suchembodiments, while increasing manufacturing costs, may provide morerobust systems with greater flexibility in customizable options.

In some embodiments, the various containers described herein may comewith pre-installed internal hardware to make assembly as simple asconnecting the containers in the desired arrangement. For example,containers B1-B3 may include pre-installed shooting stalls, targets,target rails (for moving targets) and/or other hardware, whilecontainers C1-C3 may include pre-installed bullet traps and/or targets,as well as ductwork for HVAC systems. Containers A1-A3 may includemonitoring stations, computer and/or control equipment, and/or ductworkfor HVAC connections. In other embodiments, the containers may merelyprovide a simple system of generating a ballistic containment perimeter,but equipment may need to be installed on-site. While more laborintensive, such embodiments may provide greater flexibility incustomization options.

It will be appreciated that the various embodiments described herein maybe utilized together to create optimum modular firing ranges to meet theneeds of a particular application. For example, modular containersystems such as described in relation to FIGS. 1 and/or 3 may beutilized with the HVAC container systems, sidewall pods, supportstructures, cleated connections, and/or light protection systemsdescribed herein in any combination to meet the particular needs of afiring range application. Moreover, while described with particulargeneral arrangements (e.g., control area, firing range, bullet traps,etc.) it will be appreciated that any arrangement of containers and/orinternal components is possible. The described embodiments are merelyprovided as examples and additional equipment may be added and/ordescribed equipment may be omitted in accordance with the presentinvention to achieve the desired training environment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart depicting a process 1600 for assembling a modularfiring range according to embodiments. Process 1600 may be performedusing any of the modular containers described herein. Process 1600begins at block 1602 by selecting a plurality of modular containers fromeach of a first subset of modular containers, a second subset of modularcontainers, and a third subset of modular containers. The first subsetof modular containers may include outer walls that define the first endof the modular firing range and side walls that define a first portionof a side of the modular firing range. For example, containers A1-A3and/or D1 may fall into the first subset as either alone (D1) or incombination (A1 and A3, possibly in combination with A2) have walls onthree sides that can form a closed first end of the modular firing rangeand at least a portion of the closed sides of the modular firing range.The second subset of modular containers may include outer walls thatdefine the second end of the modular firing range and side walls thatdefine a second portion of the side of the modular firing range. Forexample, containers C1-C3 and/or D3 may fall into the first subset aseither alone (D3) or in combination (C1 and C3, possibly in combinationwith C2) have walls on three sides that can form a closed second end ofthe modular firing range and at least a portion of the closed sides ofthe modular firing range. The third subset may include modularcontainers that are coupleable between the first subset and the secondsubset to form a medial portion of the modular firing range. To do so,the third subset may include outer walls that define a third portion ofthe side of the modular firing range. For example, containers B1-B3and/or D2 may fall into the first subset as either alone (D2) or incombination (B1 and B3, possibly in combination with B2) have walls ontwo opposing sides that can form at least a portion of the closed sidesof the modular firing range. It will be appreciated that any number ofcontainers of type B, containers D2, and/or containers A2, B2, C2 may beused in a particular firing range, as these containers may be addedand/or subtracted to adjust the length and/or width of the modularfiring range to meet the needs of a particular training application.

At block 1604, the selected plurality of modular containers are arrangedto form a desired layout for the modular firing range. This may involveensuring that a continuous outer wall is formed around at least aportion of the firing range that is to confine the live firingexercises. Depending on the containers chosen and the desiredarrangement, the containers may be coupled in an end to endconfiguration and/or side by side configuration. Oftentimes, the modularfiring range will be designed to include a control area in the firstsubset of modular containers, a plurality of firing lanes in the thirdsubset of modular containers, at least one bullet trap in the secondsubset of modular containers, and/or a number of targets in the secondand/or third subsets. However, it will be appreciated that numerousother arrangements are possible that include these and/or otherfeatures, as well as that may omit some of these features entirely orplace some or all of the disclosed features in different subsets ofmodular containers. In some embodiments, some or all of the modularcontainers may be in staggered alignment with one another.

At block 1606, the selected plurality of modular containers are coupledtogether to form an armored outer perimeter that provides completeballistic containment in all directions. In some embodiments, this mayinclude fastening each of a plurality of angled cleats of each of theselected plurality of modular containers to a respective one of theplurality of angled cleats on an adjacent one of the selected pluralityof modular containers. Such a process is described in greater detailwith respect to FIG. 18. In some embodiments, a number of armored platesmay be coupled to adjacent ones of the modular containers to coverjoints formed between the adjacent ones of the modular containers. Thismay be done to ensure that a continuous ballistic containment area ismaintained, even at connection points between the various containers.After the containers are coupled together, process 1600 may optionallyinclude covering an interior surface of the armored perimeter with ananti-ricochet material, which may provide sound insulation to the firingrange, as well as prevent dangerous ricochets of projectiles and toprovide a more finished appearance.

It will be appreciated that process 1600 may also include the use ofcontainers having support structures to enable open floor plan conceptsas described herein. Additionally, process 1600 may include the use ofsidewall pods, light protection systems, and/or the connection of HVACsystems as described elsewhere herein.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart depicting a process 1700 for assembling a modularfiring range according to another embodiment of the invention. Process1700 may be performed using any of the modular containers D1-D3described herein. Process 1700 begins at block 1702 by selecting a firstmodular container, a second modular container, and plurality ofadditional modular containers. The first modular container is configuredto form a first end of the modular firing range and includes two endwalls and a first lateral sidewall. For example, the first container maybe container D1 as container D1 includes walls on three sides that canform a closed first end of the modular firing range and at least aportion of the closed sides of the modular firing range. The secondmodular container is configured to form a second end of the modularfiring range and includes two end walls and a second lateral sidewall.example, the first container may be container D3 as container D3includes walls on three sides that can form a closed first end of themodular firing range and at least a portion of the closed sides of themodular firing range. The plurality of additional modular containers arecoupleable between the first modular container and the second modularcontainer to form a medial portion of the modular firing range. Each ofthe plurality of additional modular containers may include two end wallsand no lateral sidewalls. For example, each additional container may bea container D2 as container D2 includes walls on two ends that can format least a portion of the closed sides of the modular firing range.

At block 1704, the selected plurality of modular containers are arrangedto form a desired layout for the modular firing range. This may involveensuring that a continuous outer wall is formed around at least aportion of the firing range that is to confine the live firingexercises. The containers may be coupled in a side by sideconfiguration. Oftentimes, the modular firing range will be designed toinclude a control area in the first modular container, a plurality offiring lanes in the additional modular containers, at least one bullettrap in the second modular container, and/or a number of targets in thesecond modular container and/or the additional plurality of modularcontainers. However, it will be appreciated that numerous otherarrangements are possible that include these and/or other features, aswell as that may omit some of these features entirely or place some orall of the disclosed features in different modular containers.

At block 1706, the selected plurality of modular containers are coupledtogether to form an armored outer perimeter that provides completeballistic containment in all directions. In some embodiments, this mayinclude fastening each of a plurality of angled cleats of each of theselected plurality of modular containers to a respective one of theplurality of angled cleats on an adjacent one of the selected pluralityof modular containers. Such a process is described in greater detailwith respect to FIG. 18. In some embodiments, a number of armored platesmay be coupled to adjacent ones of the modular containers to coverjoints formed between the adjacent ones of the modular containers. Thismay be done to ensure that a continuous ballistic containment area ismaintained, even at connection points between the various containers.After the containers are coupled together, process 1700 may optionallyinclude covering an interior surface of the armored perimeter with ananti-ricochet material, which may provide sound insulation to the firingrange, as well as prevent dangerous ricochets of projectiles and toprovide a more finished appearance.

It will be appreciated that process 1700 may also include the use ofcontainers having support structures to enable open floor plan conceptsas described herein. Additionally, process 1700 may include the use ofsidewall pods, light protection systems, and/or the connection of HVACsystems as described elsewhere herein.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart depicting a process 1800 for assembling a modularfiring range according to another embodiment of the invention. Process1800 may be performed using any of the modular containers describedherein. Process 1800 may begin at block 1802 by positioning a firstmodular container adjacent to a second modular container such that openinteriors defined by each of the first modular container and the secondmodular container are joined to form at least a portion of the modularfiring range and such that adjacent edges of the first modular containerand the second modular container are in alignment with one another. Themodular containers may be selected from any of the modular containersdescribed herein (including sidewall pods and/or HVAC containers and/orstorage containers) and may be positioned in any arrangement desired fora particular training application.

Once the modular containers are in the desired position, each of a firstplurality of cleats of the first modular container may be coupled with arespective one of a second plurality of cleats of the second modularcontainer at block 1804 to secure the first modular container and thesecond modular container together. For example, each of the firstplurality of cleats may be aligned with the second plurality of cleatswhen the first modular container and the second modular container are inalignment with one another. Coupling each of the first plurality ofcleats with the respective one of the second plurality of cleats maythen involve securing each of the first plurality of cleats to therespective one of the second plurality of cleats using a fastener and/orclamping mechanism. For example, each cleat may be similar to cleats1214 and/or 1302 described herein and may include a fixed portion thatis mounted on a respective one of the plurality of modular containersand a securing portion that is configured to be removably secured to thesecuring portion of a corresponding one of the plurality of cleats. Insome embodiments, the cleats have a generally L-shaped cross-sectionwith one arm of the L being the fixed portion and the other arm of the Lbeing the securing portion. The fixed portion of each of the pluralityof cleats may be permanently or semi-permanently coupled with one of theplurality of modular containers, while the securing portion of each ofthe cleats is secured to the securing portion of a corresponding one ofthe cleats using one or more clamps and/or one or more fasteners thatare inserted through the cleats. In some embodiments, the cleats may bespaced apart from each other by a distance of between about 1-10 feetalong the edges of the containers. IN some embodiments, each of theplurality of cleats is between about 6 inches and 2 feet in length andthe fixed portion and the securing portion form mating flanges orsurfaces that are between about 1 inch and 6 inches in width.

In some embodiments, the process 1800 may optionally include positioninga third modular container adjacent to one or both of the first modularcontainer or the second modular container such that an edge of the thirdmodular container is adjacent one or both of the first modular containeror the second modular container. The process 1800 may then involvecoupling each of a third plurality of cleats of the third modularcontainer with a respective one of a fourth plurality of cleats of oneor both of the first modular container or the second modular container.It will be appreciated that any number of containers may be coupledtogether in such fashion.

In some embodiments, the users of the modular firing range may wish todisassemble the modular firing range. In such embodiments, process 1800may include decoupling each of the first plurality of cleats from therespective one of the second plurality of cleats and separating thefirst modular container from the second modular container.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of modular containerscomprises an armored layer. Process 1800 may optionally include securingan armored plate to the armored walls of the first modular container andthe second modular container such that the armored plate extends acrossand covers a joint formed between the armored walls of the first modularcontainer and the second modular container.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart depicting a process 1900 for a creating modularfiring range having an open floor plan. Process 1900 may be performedusing any of the modular containers described herein and may include anyarrangement of modular firing range needed for a particular application.Process 1900 may begin by removing at least one sidewall of a firstmodular container at block 1902. For example, the removed sidewall(s)may include an end wall and/or lateral sidewall of a modular containerwhich has been cut or otherwise removed using mechanical, heat, laser,and/or other cutting techniques (or modular container may be initiallyformed without the one or sidewalls). In some embodiments, 1, 2, 3, 4(or more if the container is non-rectangular) sidewalls may be removedfrom a single container, with some containers having only 0, 1, 2, or 3sidewalls remaining. The at least one sidewall of the first modularcontainer may be replaced with a first support structure at block 1904.The first support structure may include a first support beam coupled toa top edge of the first modular container and two or more columnssupporting the first support beam. The connection between the firstsupport beam and the two or more columns may be formed in any manner,such as those described in relation to FIG. 9A. At block 1906 at leastone sidewall of a second modular container, which may be done in asimilar manner as described above. At block 1908, the at least onesidewall of the second modular container may be replaced with a secondsupport structure, which may include a second support beam coupled to atop edge of the second modular container and two or more columnssupporting the second support beam.

At block 1910, the first modular container may be with the secondmodular container such that the two or more columns supporting the firstsupport beam are substantially aligned with the two or more columnssupporting the second support beam. This connection may be achievedusing cleated connection techniques such as described elsewhere herein.In some embodiments, process 1900 further includes covering the alignedtwo or more columns of each of the first modular container and thesecond modular container with an anti-ricochet material. Some or all ofthe remaining exposed interior surfaces of the containers may also becovered with such a material.

In some embodiments, the support structures have generally U-shapedprofiles, such as when only two columns are used in each supportstructure. In such cases, the columns may each be positioned in a cornerof where the removed sidewall used to be located. In other embodiments,the support structures have generally M-shaped profiles. Suchembodiments occur when a medial column is provided between two othercolumns.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart depicting a process 2000 for connecting an HVACsystem with a modular firing range. Process 2000 may involve any of themodular container configurations described herein. Process 2000 maybegin at block 2002 by coupling a first modular container that includesan HVAC supply unit with a first end of a modular firing range. Themodular firing range be formed from at least one firing range modularcontainer defining one or more firing lanes, such as a firing rangeconstructed in accordance with the techniques described herein. Thefirst modular container may define at least one air intake opening thatis in fluid communication with the HVAC supply unit. The HVAC supplyunit may include one or more HVAC units selected from an airconditioning unit, a heating unit, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an airpurification unit, and/or a refrigeration unit. Multiple of one or moreof the same type of HVAC units may be used in a single container in someembodiments. In some embodiments, the one or more HVAC units areselected to simulate environmental conditions for a particular missionthat is a subject of a particular training session as described ingreater detail above with regards to FIG. 7.

Process 2000 may also include coupling a second modular containercomprising an HVAC extraction unit with a second end of the modularfiring range at block 2004. The second modular container may define atleast one air vent opening that is in fluid communication with the HVACextraction unit. In some embodiments, the HVAC extraction unit includesone or more fans that are configured to draw air out of the modularfiring range. Both the first modular container and second modularcontainer may be in vertical alignment with the modular firing rangesuch that connections between the modular firing range and the HVACcontainers may be made in a horizontal facing surface to enable improvedweatherproofing of the HVAC connections. These connections may be doneusing ductwork in some embodiments.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart depicting a process 2100 of installing a modularsidewall enhancement onto a modular firing range according to oneembodiment of the invention. Process 2100 may be done using any of themodular containers, firing ranges, and/or techniques described herein.Process 2100 may begin at block 2102 by assembling a main firing rangebody by coupling a plurality of modular containers to define a portionof an interior of the modular firing range in accordance with thedisclosure herein. The interior of the modular firing range may define aplurality of firing lanes for live fire training exercises. At block2104, at least one sidewall pod is coupled to at least one of theplurality of modular containers adjacent the plurality of firing lanessuch that the at least one sidewall pod protrudes outward in a lateraldirection from the plurality of firing lanes. The at least one sidewallpod is formed from at least one additional modular container. The atleast sidewall pod includes one open side and walls on remaining sidessuch that the one open side is joined with the interior of the modularfiring range. In some embodiments, the at least one sidewall podoverlaps and is coupled to two of the plurality of modular containers ofthe modular firing range. The connection between the sidewall pod andthe modular containers may be done using the cleated connectiontechniques described herein. Additionally, process 2100 may includecoupling at least one armored plate between the at least one sidewallpod an adjacent container of the plurality of modular containers of themodular firing range so as to cover a joint formed between the at leastone sidewall pod and the adjacent container.

In some embodiments, the at least one sidewall pod has a depth that isless that a length of the plurality of firing lanes to provide closerange live fire engagement training opportunities. In some embodiments,the at least one sidewall pod includes a first sidewall pod on a firstside of the modular firing range and a second sidewall pod on a secondside of the modular firing range. The outer periphery defined by outerwalls of the modular firing range and the at least one sidewall podforms an armored outer perimeter that provides complete ballisticcontainment in all directions.

At block 2106, at least one target and at least one bullet trap areinstalled in the at least one sidewall pod to provide lateral live fireengagement training opportunities.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart depicting a process 2200 for assembling a lightprotection system for a modular firing range. Process 2200 may beperformed on any of the modular containers described herein, includingstorage containers, HVAC containers, sidewall pods, and the like.Process 2200 may begin at block 2202 by mounting a lighting element toarmored plating that forms all or part of a ceiling structure of amodular firing range such that the lighting element is positioned withinan interior of the modular firing range with a power cable of thelighting element extending through an aperture defined by the armoredplating. In some embodiments, the armored plating includes AR500 steeland/or other steel alloy and may be between about 5 mm and 10 mm thick,although other thicknesses may be contemplated. For example, inembodiments in which the walls may be directly shot at, such as forsidewall pod embodiments, the thickness of the armored plating may beincreased. At block 2204, a fin plate is affixed to the armored platingsuch that the fin plate extends downward from the armored plating and ispositioned at least on a side of the lighting element that is proximatea live fire shooting location of the modular firing range. The fin platemay be configured to protect the lighting element from ballisticprojectiles.

In some embodiments, process 2200 may optionally include affixing ananti-ricochet material to the armored plating. This may be done, forexample, by using a number of channels that are coupled between theanti-ricochet material and the armored plating. An inner surface of theanti-ricochet material and a distal surface of the fin plate may besubstantially flush with one another. In some embodiments, theanti-ricochet material comprises one or both of a rubber material or apolyboard material and may be between about 30 mm and 50 mm thick.Process 2200 may optionally include coupling a ballistic hood with thearmored plating on an outer surface of the armored plating. Theballistic hood may be configured to protect the aperture from ballisticprojectile

It will be appreciated that while described as separate processes, someor all processes 1600-2200 may be performed together (in whole or inpart) to form a single modular firing range in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure. As just example, each containerconnection may be done using the cleated connection and/or open floorplan techniques described herein. Similarly, the use of light protectionsystems, HVAC systems, and sidewall pods may all be used in accordancewith any of the processes described herein. Furthermore, while oftendescribed as being connected using cleated connections, it will beappreciated that in certain embodiments other container connectionmechanisms may be utilized in addition to, or alternatively to, cleatedconnected as described herein. Additionally, some embodiments may usedifferent mechanisms than described herein to enable open floor plans.Some embodiments may include features of one system described herein,while being combined with other solutions for creating modular firingranges in accordance with the present invention.

The methods, systems, and devices discussed above are examples. Someembodiments were described as processes depicted as flow diagrams orblock diagrams. Although each may describe the operations as asequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallelor concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may berearranged. A process may have additional steps not included in thefigure.

It should be noted that the systems and devices discussed above areintended merely to be examples. It must be stressed that variousembodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures orcomponents as appropriate. Also, features described with respect tocertain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments.Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in asimilar manner. Also, it should be emphasized that technology evolvesand, thus, many of the elements are examples and should not beinterpreted to limit the scope of the invention.

Specific details are given in the description to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practicedwithout these specific details. For example, well-known structures andtechniques have been shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoidobscuring the embodiments. This description provides example embodimentsonly, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, orconfiguration of the invention. Rather, the preceding description of theembodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enablingdescription for implementing embodiments of the invention. Variouschanges may be made in the function and arrangement of elements withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those ofskill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of theinvention. For example, the above elements may merely be a component ofa larger system, wherein other rules may take precedence over orotherwise modify the application of the invention. Also, a number ofsteps may be undertaken before, during, or after the above elements areconsidered. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken aslimiting the scope of the invention.

Also, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, “contains”, “containing”,“include”, “including”, and “includes”, when used in this specificationand in the following claims, are intended to specify the presence ofstated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, components, steps, acts, or groups.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly or conventionally understood. As usedherein, the articles “a” and “an” refer to one or to more than one(i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By wayof example, “an element” means one element or more than one element.“About” and/or “approximately” as used herein when referring to ameasurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like,encompasses variations of ±20% or ±10%, ±5%, or +0.1% from the specifiedvalue, as such variations are appropriate to in the context of thesystems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations describedherein. “Substantially” as used herein when referring to a measurablevalue such as an amount, a temporal duration, a physical attribute (suchas frequency), and the like, also encompasses variations of ±20% or±10%, ±5%, or +0.1% from the specified value, as such variations areappropriate to in the context of the systems, devices, circuits,methods, and other implementations described herein.

As used herein, including in the claims, “and” as used in a list ofitems prefaced by “at least one of” or “one or more of” indicates thatany combination of the listed items may be used. For example, a list of“at least one of A, B, and C” includes any of the combinations A or B orC or AB or AC or BC and/or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, tothe extent more than one occurrence or use of the items A, B, or C ispossible, multiple uses of A, B, and/or C may form part of thecontemplated combinations. For example, a list of “at least one of A, B,and C” may also include AA, AAB, AAA, BB, etc.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular firing range having an open floor plan,comprising: a modular container comprising a bottom panel, a top panel,and a side panel that extends between a first edge of the top panel anda first edge of the bottom panel, wherein a second edge of the top paneland a second edge of the bottom panel at least partially define anopening to an interior space that provides a user an area in which tomove about, the modular container including a support structurecomprising: a first column extending between a first corner of thesecond edge of the top panel and a first corner of the second edge ofthe bottom panel; a second column extending between a second corner ofthe second edge of the top panel and a second corner of the second edgeof the bottom panel; and a support beam extending across the second edgeof the top panel and that is coupled with the first column and thesecond column.
 2. The modular firing range having an open floor plan ofclaim 1, wherein: the support structure further comprises a third columnextending between a medial portion of the second edge of the bottompanel and a medial portion of the second edge of the top panel; and atop end of the third column is coupled with a bottom surface of thesupport beam.
 3. The modular firing range having an open floor plan ofclaim 1, wherein: the modular container further comprises one or both ofa first end panel extending between the side panel, the top panel, andthe bottom panel at a first end of the modular container or a second endpanel extending between the side panel, the top panel, and the bottompanel at a second end of the modular container.
 4. The modular firingrange having an open floor plan of claim 1, further comprising: anadditional modular container coupled with the modular container, theadditional modular container comprising an open side adjacent thesupport structure such that no walls separate the interior space of themodular container and an interior space of the additional modularcontainer.
 5. The modular firing range having an open floor plan ofclaim 1, wherein: the support beam is coupled between the first columnand the second column.
 6. The modular firing range having an open floorplan of claim 1, wherein: a cross-section of one or more of the firstcolumn, the second column, and the support beam is rectangular orI-shaped.
 7. The modular firing range having an open floor plan of claim1, wherein: a width of the first column and the second column is betweenabout 100 mm and 300 mm.
 8. A modular firing range having an open floorplan, comprising: a modular container comprising a bottom panel, a toppanel, and at least one support structure that supports the top panel ata distance above the bottom panel along at least one edge of the modularcontainer, wherein the modular container defines an opening to aninterior space that provides a user an area in which to move about, eachof the at least one support structure comprising: a first columnextending between a first corner of a first edge of the top panel and afirst corner of the first edge of the bottom panel; a second columnextending between a second corner of the first edge of the top panel anda second corner of the first edge of the bottom panel; and a supportbeam extending across the first edge of the top panel and that iscoupled with the first column and the second column.
 9. The modularfiring range having an open floor plan of claim 8, further comprising:one or more sidewalls, one or more end walls, or combinations thereofextending between the top panel and the bottom panel on edges of themodular container that do not include the at least one supportstructure.
 10. The modular firing range having an open floor plan ofclaim 8, further comprising: the support structure further comprises athird column extending between a medial portion of the first edge of thebottom panel and a medial portion of the first edge of the top panel;and a top end of the third column is coupled with a bottom surface ofthe support beam
 11. The modular firing range having an open floor planof claim 8, further comprising: an additional modular container coupledwith the modular container, the additional modular container comprisingan open side adjacent the support structure such that no walls separatethe interior space of the modular container and an interior space of theadditional modular container.
 12. The modular firing range having anopen floor plan of claim 8, further comprising: an anti-ricochetmaterial positioned about each of the first column and the secondcolumn.
 13. The modular firing range having an open floor plan of claim8, wherein: the support beam is secured to the first column and thesecond column using fasteners, welding, or both.
 14. The modular firingrange having an open floor plan of claim 8, wherein: the modularcontainer has no walls.
 15. A method of creating a modular firing rangehaving an open floor plan, comprising: removing at least one sidewall ofa first modular container; replacing the at least one sidewall of thefirst modular container with a first support structure comprising: afirst support beam coupled to a top edge of the first modular container;and two or more columns supporting the first support beam; removing atleast one sidewall of a second modular container; replacing the at leastone sidewall of the second modular container with a second supportstructure comprising: a second support beam coupled to a top edge of thesecond modular container; and two or more columns supporting the secondsupport beam; and coupling the first modular container with the secondmodular container such that the two or more columns supporting the firstsupport beam are substantially aligned with the two or more columnssupporting the second support beam.
 16. The method of creating a modularfiring range having an open floor plan of claim 15, further comprising:covering the aligned two or more columns of each of the first modularcontainer and the second modular container with an anti-ricochetmaterial.
 17. The method of creating a modular firing range having anopen floor plan of claim 15, wherein: removing at least one sidewall ofa first modular container comprises removing all peripheral walls of thefirst modular container.
 18. The method of creating a modular firingrange having an open floor plan of claim 15, wherein: the first supportstructure comprises a generally U-shaped profile.
 19. The method ofcreating a modular firing range having an open floor plan of claim 15,wherein: the first support structure comprises a generally M-shapedprofile.
 20. The method of creating a modular firing range having anopen floor plan of claim 15, wherein: the first support beam is securedto the two or more columns using fasteners, welding, or both.